Tank bags....What do I want, what do you have?

I'm doing more an more longer rides and a need to have quick access to the camera, map and granola bars has arrived.

what do you look for in a tank bag? Strapped on? Magnetic, ring mount to filler cap?

Does anyone have one they want to part with?

I would be looking for a magnetic one. I certainly am on the lookout for a relatively inexpensive one.

I have three RKA bags, two magnetic and one strap on. If you have a metal tank - the magnetic one is the way to go. just be careful, I set mine on my work bench and didn't notice it grabbed a small screw and proceeded to scratch the heck out of my tank.

Since both of our bikes now have plastic tanks, I would be willing to sell you the magnetic bag. It is a slightly faded red.

very similar to this one - http://www.rka-luggage.com/A02%20Tankbags/16M%20Build%20sheet/16M%20Build%20Sheet.html

Since I may go to a plastic tank on my KLR, I have a strap on bag. It has to be released to open the fuel door, which is annoying but not enough to be a problem. All of my bags are Wolfman; the dual sport community loves these things and I concur. They are well constructed and well thought out, and the prices I think are very reasonable.

I prefer the solid mounting of a buckle over the magnetic mounts. I'm just not comfortable with the hold of the magnets. I know the buckles will keep it in place, no matter how hard I bang around over roads I shouldn't be on.

That clear plastic pouch is perhaps the most wonderful thing to have, holding a map. Ziplock so the water actually stays out. Replaceable so when I do manage to destroy it, I can put a new one on.

Waterproof compartments are a nice idea, but it seems like they all leaked anyways. But then my bag is old, maybe some really are waterproof now.

I like taller rather than wider. I don't want to be bumping the bag when I'm at full lock turning.

Get a nice Chase Harper bag with both magnet and quick clips. Get the expandable one so you have Extra room if needed. Hint: The foam in these bags is top notch place camera on top trace with sharpie then toss foam in the freezer for a hour or two and cut the outline with steak knife.

Yes Chase Harper is not cheap but you buy it once! Map holders don't yellow like the cheap ones due.

My 1st tank bag was a double "hand-me down" and i pasted it on to a friend when i got my expandable.

I've got a cheap magnetic-mount bag by icon motorsports from bikebandit. It holds quite securely and is rather well made. I'd recommend it to anyone that didn't need a whole lot of space in a bag. It's pretty small, but I think it would carry the above-mentioned map, camera, and granola bars without any trouble. Well, unless you had like a big SLR with a telephoto lens and a shoe-mount flash on it. Or if you were a really big eater and ate a dozen granola bars at once.

I had a Joe Rocket magnetic that was "almost" good. Magnetic bags are great until you come out of the gas station and its gone.

Key stuff I always wish I thought of before buying something:

• You need to be able to get a few bucks out of the change pocket with gloves on. Even in a world with EZPASS, you have to pay for parking manually.
• You can't really read a map while you are riding but under plastic is a nice place to keep your phone dry.
• A water pouch with drinking straw would rock because I hate having a camel pack on my back.
• Having it hold a laptop and convert to a backpack for walking around would be swell

I would also like a helmet that folds into a small, flat book sized shape

Watch lap tops and magnetic bags. Not a good combo.

My magnetic bags have a clip on the front to keep them from moving. I did lose it once on the highway - I forgot to buckle the clip and I turned to look at my blindspot and the bag flew off at 65+ mph. Felt like frogger trying to retrieve it (had my wallet in there).

My new used bike came with a bagster system ( http://www.rideaddict.com/2006ducatimonsters4r-whitered77-49.aspx ) it is so ugly that I never even tried it on.

I do have a side bag that came with the bike. Again, it isn't the best looking, but it is very handy. My wife and I went on a over night trip a few weeks ago and we didn’t even fill it up. It keeps everything close, but not in the way.

A few years ago we did a 4 day trip and we had to put up with two tank bags and a tail bag on my wifes bike.

I never understood that map pocket on a sportbike tankbag. You guys are moving so fast...how do you read them? Even at my very modest cruiser speeds, I have to keep both eyes on the road.

For the adventure-touring set (of which I hope to be a member some day) Aerostitch seems very popular. Aerostitch Tank Bags

While zinging around town roads and such, I can't read the map in a tank bag. But when I'm just cruising down a back road or along the interstate, I can put my finger on the map, and glance down. Move my finger and reglance. Repeat as many times as necessary.

I usualy have a piece of paper with names of the roads on it that I am going to be turning on.

The map pocket is also a good place to store ear plugs when off the bike. Keeps them clean and you see them and remember to put them in before you start riding off.

I absolutely LOVE my wolfman enduro tank bag. My motorcycle isn't complete without it. I keep a variety of items in there, depending on the situation and type of ride. I've had it for 3 years and other than being a little faded and grungy looking its perfect.

I've used the map pocket more for holding flyers and parking passes than trying to read a map. I also use it to hold my ipod when I occasionally ride with it and its not too hot out. Tossed my phone in it when I used it as a GPS a couple times too.

The Enduro tankbag is just big enough to carry my flat tire tool kit with room to spare for a bottle of water or gatoraide for short rides. Or I can fit a 6-pack for a quick trip to the store. Long rides its usually where my flashlight (LED headlamp), chain lube, a drink bottle, lighter, bug spray, hand sanitizer, wallet, cell phone (in a ziploc baggie) and other small items that may or may not be needed throughout the day reside so they don't get lost in my main bags. Its also where my camera(s) live. In swing seasons I'll toss a second pair of gloves to fit either warmer or cooler weather, my balaclava, and an extra layer (wind shirt usually, sometimes a thin fleece).

In other words, I use my tank bag as a small backpack or as an extension/replacement of my pants and jacket pockets.

pinchvalve wrote: I never understood that map pocket on a sportbike tankbag. You guys are moving so fast...how do you read them? Even at my very modest cruiser speeds, I have to keep both eyes on the road. For the adventure-touring set (of which I hope to be a member some day) Aerostitch seems very popular. Aerostitch Tank Bags

When I plan local backroad routes, I write directions in permanent marker on a piece of paper, and tape them to the gas tank. It's easy enough to read directions if it's something like "--> CR320."

Good advice. I generally just get lost, end up on some great back roads, find an unknown little diner, have some lunch, then ask directions back to the nearest interstate. I have stumbled across some great BBQ, homemade pie, scenic overlooks and a biker bar or two. I guess that's why I don't use a map!

pinchvalve wrote: Good advice. I generally just get lost, end up on some great back roads, find an unknown little diner, have some lunch, then ask directions back to the nearest interstate. I have stumbled across some great BBQ, homemade pie, scenic overlooks and a biker bar or two. I guess that's why I don't use a map!

I do this often.....once or twice had to dig out the GPS to find my way out.

I don't know. We have done both – planned trips and bobbed around. The last trip my wife came up with a planned route using motorcycleroads.com.

This worked out great - kept us on the highly rated roads, the ones with tighter turns and less gravel and traffic.

The GPS was a lifesaver to get us to gas stations when in the middle of nowhere.

1988RedT2 wrote: unless you had like a big SLR with a telephoto lens and a shoe-mount flash on it.

Ya thats how old my bag is you had two choises...SLR or polariod....